Top 10 Best Electric Trailer Brake Controllers Reviews In 2019

If you are used to towing trailers, you definitely can’t ignore the importance that comes with having a trailer brake controller. Sometimes back, trailer brake controllers were meant to be used with large and heavy commercial trailers but that is not the case anymore, they are pretty much useful even when towing a small vehicle. A trailer brake controller comes in handy when you want to apply brakes in a consistent and successful manner without causing or posing any risks to you, your car and other drivers.

Fortunately, a trailer brake controller doesn’t cost a fortune if you plan to own one, most of them are budget-friendly. However, with hundreds of models out there in the market competing for your attention, not every unit is worth your hard-earned money, some are useless. To help you make the right decision when buying one, we have listed the models that are right for you. Here we go:

10. Electronic Brake Control – Tekonsha 90195 P3

If you are looking for a more advanced electric brake control that boasts a range of robust features, Tekonsha P3 makes the best choice. You can always toggle between the hydraulic or the electric trailer brake mode, allowing you to fully customize your braking experience. This true proportional braking system features an easy to interpret diagnostics that show output voltage, battery, brake, and output current. Apart from featuring a compact dash-hugging design, this brake controller can work for up to four braking axles.

In case of a no trailer brake situation, a red warning flashing alerts the user. When using Tenkosha, you will find it hassle-free to access all the P3 features, thanks to the up-front controls. More outstanding is the fact that you can choose between using this brake controller on multiple drivers or pulling different trailers based on your personal preference. When you don’t want to use the controller, the snap-in mounting clip plus the plug-N-play port helps in the removal and storage of this top-rated brake controller.

9. Proportional Brake Control – Reese Towpower 8508211 BRAKE-EVN

Another top-rated brake controller that boasts a solid state of the art braking technology is the Reese Towpower BRAKE-EVN Controller. It is an outstanding unit that boasts advanced and proportional braking suitable for both light and heavy trailer loads. A large LED display feeds with the information you need without the slightest eye strain. Instead of relying on traditional time-based controls, enjoy smooth stops with Reese Towpower control.

With a simple plugin installation, this unit can handle up to 4 axles. Plus, Reese BRAKE-EVN brake controller works miracles in extending the lifespan of your brakes and doesn’t require levelling. Overall, this is one of the best proportional brake controllers.

Special Features

Increases the life of your brakes

Easy to read LED display

Can handle up to 4-axles

Reverse battery protection

8. Electronic Brake Control Tekonsha 90160, Primus IQ

Another well-designed proportional electric brake control is the Tekonsha Primus IQ. It is one of the best trailer brake controllers you can lay your hands on in the market. The most adorable aspect of this unit is, it doesn’t require level adjustment, thanks to its self-levelling technology. Plus, this controller boasts superior primary sensor technology that enables its users to initiate more initial braking, the reason this unit is perfect for towing heavier trailers.

Just in case you hit the wrong road, this brake controller works in reverse as well and, will have your back when you are in tough spots. When you don’t intend to use this brake control, a removable electrical connector and a snap-in dash mounting clips are included to help with storage. The LED display allows you to view the diagnostic stats such as the amount of voltage, secure electrical connection and much more. Overall, Tekonsha Primus IQ makes the best bang for your bucks when you are after solid performance and reliability.

Special Features

Special Primary Sensor Technology Boost feature

Works in reverse

Uses plug-n-play port for 2-plug adapters

Easy to store when not in use

Employs Prodigy primary sensor technology

7. Prodigy Electronic Brake Control – Tekonsha 90885 P2

A shift from using a one-axle brake controller and enjoy a more secure towing with the Tekonsha 90885 Prodigy Electronic Brake Controller that boasts up to 4 braking axles. It is pretty decent and a reliable unit from the trusted Tekonsha Brand. Engineered to work with electric over hydraulic brake system, this unit offers the ultimate protection to both your breakaway and vehicle regardless of the nature of the terrain. When towing heavier trailers, the boost feature allows you to apply more initial braking.

A disconnect feature and 360-degree vertical rotation design allow you to easily remove and store this outstanding braking controller. Secure and reliable towing is achieved through the continual diagnostics checks that provide the user with instant feeds on a proper connection. Plus, this braking controller doesn’t require level adjustment, it adjusts itself automatically.

6. Towpower Brakeman Compact Digital Brake Control – REESE 8507111

Designed with a small compact design, the REESE Towpower Brakeman IV is another incredible unit that will guarantee you safe and seamless towing. This 100% solid-state brake controller installs pretty quick and doesn’t require any levelling. Even more impressive, this unit can be mounted in any direction. When you want to use this control on 2, 4, 6 or 8-axle systems, the Pre-wired plug-n-play features allows for easy and convenient customization.

5. Proportional Electronic Brake Control – Draw-Tite 201919 I-Stop

The Draw-Tite I-stop offers a proportional mode of braking and doesn’t require any level. It is a great alternative when you want to enjoy a seamless and secure towing. Boasting primary sensor technology, this unit has the boost function that allows users to apply initial braking, making it the perfect choice for towing both light and heavy trailers. Snap-in mounting clips come in handy when you want to remove and store this braking controller. When towing heavy trailers at tough spots, the boost function comes in handy in by delivering effective proportional reverse braking. In case of any issues, the self-diagnostic feature alerts you on what to do via the prominent LED readout.

4. Brakeman Timed Brake Control, Timed Reese Towpower 74642

Designed for use on 12volt negative ground systems only, the Brakeman Timed Brake Control is another modern system you won’t regret considering. Apart from featuring a small compact design that can be fitted anywhere in the passenger compartment, this unit doesn’t require levelling and has no moving parts or hydraulic connection. Engineered to handle single and tandem axle trailers, Brakeman Towpower 74642 boasts solid-state construction.

Installation of this 100% solid-state brake control is pretty simple, thanks to the included easy to follow instructions. You can securely use this brake control to tow any trailer of one up to four axle system. Other robust features of this control include the soft-to-touch variable manual control, mounting bracket fingertip output controls, and a unique “sync” adjustment.

Special Features

Meets All National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Easy and quick installation

Can be used with one up to four axle systems

No levelling required

Includes red indicator light

3. Voyager Brake Electronic Control – Tekonsha 9030

A real-time based electronic brake controller that does a pretty decent job when used on one up to four braking axles. One simple yet adorable aspect of Tekonsha 9030 that sets it apart from its competitors is the LED Color Changing system that depicts relative braking power by adjusting the colour from green to red. Talk of top-notch performance and unreliable braking power, the Tekonsha 9030 boasts patented Braking Sensor that achieves smooth and secure trailer braking.

No matter the load or nature of the terrain, this unit delivers the ultimate connection to your trailer. More impressive is the fact that this controller gives users an indication of the amount of braking power being applied. The broad setting range makes this controller usable with many vehicles. Plus, the plug-n-play feature allows for hassle-free connection. Overall, the Voyager Tekonsha 9030 Brake Controller is one of the best in the market today.

Special Features

Smooth and secure braking

LED Changes colour depending on the braking power

Plug-n-play feature

Quick and easy installation

Can be used for up to 4 braking axles

2. Discovery Brake Control – CURT 51120

Coming with quick plugs, the CURT 51120 is another outstanding model that will guarantee you a safe and secure trailer towing. It is a perfect choice for hauling heavy loads and you effectively want to bring the same to a halt. Designed to detect gain settings and sensitivity adjustments, this controller increases the braking power as the need arises. It is a real-time controller that doesn’t require any levelling.

Also, there are no internal moving parts. Boasting quick and efficient stops, Discovery Brake Control can be used with up to four axle systems. For easy monitoring and control, this unit includes a prominent display. Other robust features include the mounting bracket that is included to help with installation and the automatic power level adjustment system that prevent interference during trailer towing.

Special Features

The time-based proportional brake control

Easy and quick installation

Doesn’t require levelling

Prominent digital display

Automatic power level adjustment technology

1. Activator IV Electronic Brake Control – Draw-Tite 5504

If you want to take your trailer towing to a whole new level, try the all-rounder Draw-Tite Activator Electronic Brake Controller that boasts several robust features. For quick monitoring and easy controlling, this brake control features great indicator and digital output that allow for any-angle viewing. Moreover, it has the plug-n-play features that makes the connection of this control with any other hardware hassle-free.

For regular towing, this electronic brake controller can be used with one up to four axle trailers. Compact design and the included mounting hardware makes this controller compatible with most trailer towing vehicles. Plus, it doesn’t require any levelling and can be mounted any angle any position. Apart from featuring a small compact design, it has up-front synch and output for seamless interaction and impressive solid performance.